The Best Gifts For the Hard-to-Shop-For 15-Year-Old

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Picking out the perfect gift for someone is hard enough, but picking out the perfect gift for a 15-year-old is a whole new ball game. They're not kids anymore, but they're not yet adults. They're still figuring things out, but they also know enough to make up their own minds. In terms of presents, they won't tell you outright what they want because they (somehow) expect you to already know.

At this point in their lives, they're coming up on major milestones, from learning how to drive to celebrating their quinceañeras. They have big and small victories to celebrate every day, from acing a math test to making the varsity sports team. To commemorate these accomplishments, you have to have the perfect presents on deck. As for what those perfect presents are, well, we're about to show you.

Complete with a selection of cute, trendy, and cool gift ideas for teens with varying interests, these gifts are ideal for any birthday, holiday, or special occasion. We dug deep to find the hottest products trending on TikTok, as well as thoughtful presents they're sure to remember for years to come. Ahead, find a few of our favorite selections that 15-year-olds will adore.

01
Best Makeup Gift: Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
fentybeauty.com

Best Makeup Gift: Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Rihanna (naturally) created one of the best makeup products on the market. If you aren't already familiar with Fenty, let us introduce you to one of the bestselling products: meet the Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($20). This glittery gloss leaves behind a gorgeous sheen and will instantly up any makeup look.

02
Best Music Gift: Audio-Technica LP60X-BT Bluetooth Record Player
urbanoutfitters.com

Best Music Gift: Audio-Technica LP60X-BT Bluetooth Record Player

If they're always blasting their favorite songs, they'll be all about this high-tech Audio-Technica LP60X-BT Bluetooth Record Player ($259). It's cool and old school, yet it has a modern-day flare that they're sure to love. Not to mention, it also makes for a cool piece of bedroom or living-room decor.

03
Best Jewelry Gift: 14K Gold-Dipped Initial with Heart Chain Necklace
target.com

Best Jewelry Gift: 14K Gold-Dipped Initial with Heart Chain Necklace

Dainty yet noticeable, this 14K Gold-Dipped Initial with Heart Chain Necklace ($20) is the perfect accessory. Not only is it thoughtful and personalized, but it's also easy to pair with existing accessories. If you want to go all out, pair this gift with gold rings or a gold bracelet.

04
Best Travel Gift: Universal Thread Duffel Weekender Bag
target.com

Best Travel Gift: Universal Thread Duffel Weekender Bag

At this age, there's a good chance they're always on the go. Between sports practice, friend's houses, and everywhere in between, they literally never stop. To make their life easier, get them this Universal Thread Duffel Weekender Bag ($45). They can toss shoes, jerseys, makeup, and more inside.

05
Best Nails Gift: Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Manicure Kit
urbanoutfitters.com

Best Nails Gift: Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Manicure Kit

If you can't stand looking at their chipped nails one more day, we have just the thing to fix that. This Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Manicure Kit ($16) will give them access to a salon-quality mani at home. It comes with 24 stick-on nails that will instantly elevate their beauty game.

06
Best Outfit Gift: Veja Urca CWL Sneakers
nordstrom.com

Best Outfit Gift: Veja Urca CWL Sneakers

Veja shoes are the new Vans, which means these Veja Urca CWL Sneakers ($160) are one of the hottest gifts of the year. Made with vegan suede and recycled materials, these eco-conscious shoes will step up their outfits. To really make this gift count, toss in a couple of pairs of socks. (They could probably use them.)

07
Best Trendy TikTok Gift: UGG Classic Mini II Boots
nordstrom.com

Best Trendy TikTok Gift: UGG Classic Mini II Boots

In case you missed it, UGGs are back. These UGG Classic Mini II Boots ($150) went viral on TikTok this year, which means you're about to see them everywhere this winter. If you want to impress the 15-year-old you're shopping for, you can't go wrong with these cozy favorites.

08
Best Clothing Gift: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket
urbanoutfitters.com

Best Clothing Gift: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket

Never worry about them being cold again when they have The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket ($320). It's made with 100 percent nylon and filled with warm down that can withstand wind and snow. It comes in four different colors (black, olive green, violet, and mint green), so be sure to pick out the hue that'll pair well with their outfits.

09
Best Old-School Gift: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
amazon.com

Best Old-School Gift: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

Leave it to the younger generation to forgo their new iPhones with three camera lenses and instead opt for an old-school Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera ($73, originally $77). Yep, these cameras have made a comeback, and this time, they're decked out in cool colors like blush pink, baby blue, and lavender.

10
Best Hair Gift: Olaplex Hair Repair Treatment Set
sephora.com

Best Hair Gift: Olaplex Hair Repair Treatment Set

Suitable for thin, wavy, curly, and coily hair, this Olaplex Hair Repair Treatment Set ($62) is a great gift for anyone. It comes with some of the brand's fan-favorite products including the No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment and the No. 3 Hair Perfector as well as a mini set of shampoo and conditioner.

11
Best Skincare Gift: Florence by Mills Groovy Glow Set
florencebymills.com

Best Skincare Gift: Florence by Mills Groovy Glow Set

This beauty line, Florence by Mills, was created by "Stranger Things" star Millie Bobby Brown, which means any present from this collection is already approved by teens. This Florence by Mills Groovy Glow Set ($30, originally $51) comes with everything they need to keep their skin glowing, including the Clean Magic Face Wash, Spotlight Toner, Up in the Clouds Facial Moisturizer, and one pair of the Floating Under the Eyes Depuffing Eye Gels.

12
Best Loungewear Gift: For the Skims Cozy Knit Pants
skims.com

Best Loungewear Gift: For the Skims Cozy Knit Pants

Quick question: who wouldn't want Skims? These Skims Cozy Knit Pants ($88) are made with a form of breathable and stretchy boucle yarn, which not only means they're super comfortable, but they're also extremely flattering. Pair these with the Skims Cozy Knit Tank ($52), and they'll love you forever (even in the midst of puberty).

13
Best Cozy Gift: Cloud Slippers
amazon.com

Best Cozy Gift: Cloud Slippers

These Cloud Slippers ($24, originally $40) are true to their name. They're soft, comfortable, and 100 times better than that old ratty pair your teen has lying around. They come in a variety of colors including black, gray, pink, and blue, which means you can pick out the best shade to suit their style.

14
Best Accessories Gift: JW PEI Women's Eva Shoulder Handbag
amazon.com

Best Accessories Gift: JW PEI Women's Eva Shoulder Handbag

They're not yet at the age where they can really care for a designer bag, so why not get them the next best option? This JW PEI Women's Eva Shoulder Handbag ($59) is popular among teens because it's cute, stylish, and (way) less expensive than a luxury purse.

15
Best TikTok-Inspired Gift: Waffle Knit Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
target.com

Best TikTok-Inspired Gift: Waffle Knit Quarter Zip Sweatshirt

OK, so this Amazon Meladyan Women's Half-Zip Sweatshirt ($36) was all over TikTok last month, and while it's cool, we found a better option. This Waffle Knit Quarter Zip Sweatshirt ($25) from Target is not only made with 100 percent cotton (meaning it's super cozy), but it's also $11 cheaper. Yes, please.